Democrats Aim For Expanded Power In Legislature

California Democrats are angling to pick off a few legislative seats now held by Republicans. They say it could even change the balance of power in the legislature. But the state GOP says it’ll never happen.

Democrats are putting millions into four battleground Assembly races–and are eyeing several more seats held by Republicans. State Party Chair Art Torres says Democratic registration is on the rise:

"So I do think we have a shot in those seats, and I think we can get close to two-thirds, if not get to two-thirds.”

That’s the magic percentage of lawmakers it takes to pass a budget.

Right now that means eight Republican votes. But GOP Party Chair Ron Nehring says Republicans are holding strong. He says Democrats botched an attempted recall of a GOP Senator and haven’t put up viable candidates in some races:

“I don’t know how you get serious about trying to have a two-thirds vote in the legislature when you blow so many of those opportunities.”

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, nearly 44 percent of California registered voters are Democratic. Just over 32 percent are Republican. 19 percent are non-partisan, or decline-to-state voters.